The Remote Work–Efficiency Nexus: Examining Flexibility, Digital Technology, and Employee Task Performance in Omani Higher Education

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the effects of remote work on task efficiency among the staff members (administrative and academic) at Al Zahra College for Women in Oman. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational approach, data were gathered from 68 participants via a structured questionnaire. Remote work was measured by examining five variables: work flexibility, digital communication, digital tools/technology, managerial support/trust, and the remote work environment. According to the findings, remote work exhibited a highly significant positive correlation with task efficiency (r = .707, p < .001). Further regression analysis indicated that remote work accounted for 56.7% of the variability in employee task efficiency. Among the five factors, only work flexibility and digital tools/technology were significant positive predictors, while digital communication, managerial support/trust, and remote work environment were not significant. Consequently, it was argued that remote work effectiveness is highly dependent on employee autonomy and on organizational readiness to implement remote work. This research makes an important contribution to the body of literature on remote work in Oman's higher education sector.